When shopping for a natural cooling blanket, you'll inevitably encounter two popular options: bamboo and eucalyptus. Both are marketed as eco-friendly, temperature-regulating, and luxuriously soft alternatives to synthetic materials. But what are the real differences between them, and which one is the better choice for your needs? This comprehensive comparison examines every aspect to help you decide.
Understanding the Materials
Bamboo: From Plant to Fabric
Bamboo blankets are typically made from bamboo viscose (also called bamboo rayon). The manufacturing process involves breaking down bamboo pulp with chemicals to create a fibre that can be woven into fabric. Despite this processing, the resulting material retains many beneficial properties of the original bamboo plant.
The most common type is bamboo viscose, which uses a chemical-intensive process but produces a soft, silky fabric. Some manufacturers use a more eco-friendly "lyocell" process for bamboo (sometimes called bamboo lyocell or bamboo linen), which uses a closed-loop system to recycle chemicals.
Eucalyptus: The Tencel Revolution
Eucalyptus fabric, most commonly branded as Tencel or Lyocell, is made from eucalyptus wood pulp. The manufacturing process, developed by Austrian company Lenzing, uses a closed-loop system where over 99% of the solvents are recovered and reused, making it one of the most environmentally friendly fabric production methods available.
The eucalyptus trees themselves are typically grown on land unsuitable for food crops and require minimal water and no pesticides. The resulting fabric has a distinctive smooth, silky feel that many people describe as even softer than silk.
Quick Terminology Guide
- Bamboo Viscose/Rayon: Common bamboo fabric, chemically processed
- Bamboo Lyocell: Eco-friendly bamboo processing (less common)
- Tencel: Brand name for Lenzing's lyocell/modal fibres
- Lyocell: Generic term for eucalyptus-based fibres using closed-loop processing
Cooling Performance Compared
Both bamboo and eucalyptus offer excellent cooling properties, but they achieve this through slightly different mechanisms.
Bamboo Cooling Properties
Bamboo fabric is naturally micro-porous, meaning it has tiny gaps in the fibre structure that allow air to circulate freely. This breathability helps body heat escape rather than being trapped against your skin. Bamboo also has natural moisture-wicking properties, pulling sweat away from your body where it can evaporate and cool you down.
Additionally, bamboo has natural temperature-regulating properties—it can help keep you cool in summer and warm in winter by adapting to ambient conditions. This makes bamboo blankets versatile for year-round use in moderate climates.
Eucalyptus Cooling Properties
Eucalyptus fibres excel at moisture management. Studies have shown that Tencel absorbs moisture 50% more efficiently than cotton, wicking it away from the skin and allowing it to evaporate quickly. This makes eucalyptus particularly effective for people who experience night sweats.
The smooth fibre surface of eucalyptus also creates less friction against the skin, reducing the heat generated by movement during sleep. Many users report that eucalyptus feels noticeably cooler to the touch than bamboo, especially in the initial moments of contact.
Cooling Performance Winner
For raw cooling power and moisture management, eucalyptus (Tencel) has a slight edge. For those who want versatile temperature regulation that works year-round, bamboo is the better choice.
Comfort and Feel
Both materials are known for being exceptionally soft, but they have distinct textures that appeal to different preferences.
Bamboo has a soft, slightly textured feel that's often compared to a blend between cotton and silk. It has more body than eucalyptus and drapes heavily, which some sleepers find comforting. The texture improves with washing, becoming softer over time.
Eucalyptus has an incredibly smooth, almost liquid-like feel that many compare to silk. It's lighter and drapier than bamboo, with a cool, sleek sensation against the skin. Some people find this silky smoothness more luxurious, while others prefer the slight texture of bamboo.
The best way to determine your preference is to feel both materials in person if possible. Most people have a strong preference one way or the other, but neither is objectively "better"—it's entirely a matter of personal taste.
Sustainability Comparison
Both bamboo and eucalyptus are often marketed as sustainable alternatives to cotton or synthetic fabrics, but the reality is nuanced.
Bamboo Sustainability
Bamboo as a plant is remarkably sustainable. It grows rapidly (up to a metre per day for some species), requires no pesticides, needs minimal water, and can thrive on degraded land. It also absorbs more carbon dioxide and produces more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees.
However, the most common process for turning bamboo into fabric (viscose/rayon production) uses harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, which can be harmful to workers and the environment if not properly managed. Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX or bamboo lyocell products that use more sustainable processing methods.
Eucalyptus Sustainability
Eucalyptus (Tencel) is widely considered one of the most sustainable fabric options available. The trees are grown on sustainable farms, often on land unsuitable for food production. They require significantly less water than cotton—up to 20 times less.
The closed-loop manufacturing process used by Lenzing (the primary Tencel producer) recovers and reuses 99.5% of the solvent, dramatically reducing environmental impact. The fabric is also fully biodegradable at end of life. Look for the official Tencel certification to ensure you're getting genuinely sustainable eucalyptus fabric.
Sustainability Winner
Eucalyptus (Tencel) wins on sustainability, thanks to the closed-loop manufacturing process. However, certified bamboo lyocell comes close and may be more widely available in some markets.
Durability and Care
Both materials can last for years with proper care, but there are some differences in durability and maintenance requirements.
Bamboo is quite durable but can be prone to pilling if washed roughly or with abrasive fabrics. It requires gentle washing in cold water and low-heat drying. With proper care, bamboo blankets typically last 3-5 years of regular use. The fabric does get softer with each wash, which many people appreciate.
Eucalyptus is generally more resistant to pilling and wrinkles than bamboo. It's also less prone to shrinkage. Eucalyptus fibres are slightly stronger than bamboo, especially when wet, making them more forgiving during washing. With proper care, eucalyptus blankets can last 5-7 years or more.
Both materials should be washed in cold water with mild detergent and dried on low heat or air-dried. Neither does well with high heat, bleach, or fabric softeners.
Price Comparison
Generally, eucalyptus (Tencel) products are priced higher than bamboo equivalents, sometimes by 20-50%. This reflects the more expensive raw materials and the cost of the environmentally responsible manufacturing process.
However, considering the better durability of eucalyptus, the cost per year of use may be comparable. Bamboo offers excellent value for those on a tighter budget who still want natural, cooling bedding.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Both bamboo and eucalyptus are excellent choices for allergy sufferers. Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial and resists dust mites, mould, and mildew. It's also gentle on sensitive skin. Eucalyptus shares these properties and additionally is less hospitable to bacteria due to its smooth fibre surface and superior moisture management.
Both materials are typically well-tolerated by people with chemical sensitivities, especially when certified by standards like OEKO-TEX that ensure harmful substances are not present.
Making Your Decision
Here's a quick guide to help you choose:
Choose Bamboo if you:
- Prefer a slightly textured, substantial feel
- Want year-round temperature regulation
- Are working with a tighter budget
- Like a blanket that gets softer with time
Choose Eucalyptus if you:
- Love a silky-smooth, luxurious feel
- Experience significant night sweats
- Prioritise environmental sustainability
- Want maximum durability
Conclusion
Both bamboo and eucalyptus make excellent cooling blankets, and honestly, you can't go wrong with either. They're both vastly superior to synthetic materials for temperature regulation and comfort. The best choice comes down to personal preference for texture, budget considerations, and how much you prioritise sustainability in your purchasing decisions.
If possible, seek out samples of both materials to feel the difference yourself. Many quality bedding brands offer satisfaction guarantees, making it possible to try a blanket risk-free and return it if it doesn't meet your expectations.